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Some History of The Cornwall Cemetery

With Thanks to David and Louis Sherman

Les Mancel, and Gordon Dickson

We know almost nothing about this cemetery. It was destroyed many, many years ago, and no one knows today where it was located for certain, but it is quite possible that it has been found again. There is some documentation pointing to the fact that it existed due to monuments being mentioned on the bank of the River Thames.

We do know that Mr Sherman was buried somewhere not far from here under his favourite tree in the orchard. Thus, it is likely that the cemetery was not all that far from the orchard and in turn the house, but little more is known about it. We are not certain that anyone knows for sure that the location of Lemuel Sherman's grave became the exact location of the cemetery. There is a very good chance that the location of the Cornwall Cemetery has been found again right next to the "Point" on the Cornwall Farm. There are several reasons for believing this. We know it was likely relatively close to the House. We know that the area here is high and thus flooding of graves is avoided. We know that the digging here would be relatively easy. We know that it was close to the road in those times to deliver the casket. It is even possible that those soldiers who died during the winter of 1813 - 1814 following the battle of the Thames were interred in this location. It is approximately equal distant from the Sherman and the Richardson barns, and Cornwall Farm, etc. Thus, it would have been equal distance to carry the remains. Also, we know that in 1813, the "Island" right next to this was a part of Howard. i.e. one would then have had to cross over the river to get to it. So, it is unlikely that burials would have been made over there.

The Cemetery seems to be divided into two halves. The front half is larger. There seems to have been a fairly wide walking area between the two. It is also evident that the graves here are rather "Dispersed". Thus the small cemetery seems to take a larger area than might be expected for the number of graves. BUT! PLEASE remember that almost none of this is proven by documentation so it cannot all be taken as fact.

It is thought that members of the Ferguson family removed the monuments to the river and plowed the cemetery down while the farm was part of their holdings.

http://ckcemeteries.ca/cpg15x/thumbnails.php?album=243 | See other photographs of the possible cemetery location here.

Mr Cornwall was a very good friend of the Shermans who lived next door, and a good friend as well to the Moravians at Old Fairfield. The Cornwall farm was located right "Behind" (To the South West) of the Sherman Farm at that time.

The Francis Cornwall mentioned below was a resident of Lot 10 Howard Twp, and John, his brother lived at Lot 13 Con B Camden.

Quote from Moravian Diaries
"Br Denke was asked to conduct the funeral for our friend and neighbour, Mr Francis Cornwall. Mr Cornwall lived six miles from here and died on the 28th. Br Denke would have preferred to spend the day here but could not refuse the request for the deceased was our true friend. He loved our missions among the heathen and always took comfort in the sermons that were given in his home. Some weeks ago he took the opportunity to speak freely with Br Denke about the condition of his heart and other matters, something that had always been difficult for him to do. Even on his sickbed he was grateful and indicated that, having faith in the merits of Jesus, he was glad to die. Br Denke used this occasion to praise to an attentive audience the great good found solely in the sacrifice of Jesus... "